Photography courtesy University of Maryland Athletics
The new Terrapin forward has high hopes for the 2025–26 campaign
Maryland forward Elijah Saunders can’t talk about his basketball career without mentioning his father Yaki, and all he has done for him. Yaki’s experience and advice helped Elijah develop. Yaki, a former Arkansas State player, advised Elijah about his health habits, weight, and critiqued all of his collegiate games.
The elder Saunders also educated his son about then-Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams—considered a coach “on the rise.” Williams, now Maryland’s first-year men’s basketball coach, recruited Saunders when he went into the transfer portal in April 2025, persuading him to come to College Park instead of Notre Dame, South Carolina, or Virginia Tech.
“We realized how much his father was a fan of Coach Williams during the recruiting process and what he did for Elijah,” Maryland Associate Head Coach Devin Johnson says. Saunders, a Phoenix, Arizona, native, considered Maryland and Williams as the place and person to elevate his game. “Coach Williams really wants to develop you into the best player you can be,” Saunders explains. “He will teach me so many things.”
Saunders’ career to date has notable team and individual achievements. He played for San Diego State when the Aztecs played in the national championship game in 2023, and made the Final Four the following season. After transferring to Virginia for his junior year, Saunders ranked second on the team in scoring (averaged 10.4 points).
“In this day and age, you have a lot of players trying to find themselves, or find a way to lead,” Johnson says. “Elijah knows who he is and knows how to lead. He is becoming an elite leader for us.” We spoke to Saunders about his game, Williams, Yaki, and more.
Photography courtesy University of Maryland Athletics
What attracted you to Maryland beside Coach Williams? The opportunity to play in the Big 10 with the great players on our team and play a significant role. I also really liked the coaching staff and how they help you on and off the court. We have meetings where we don’t talk much about basketball. That is surprising.
Williams guided Virginia Tech, Marquette, and Texas A&M to NCAA Tournament berths, along with three Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Elite Eight. Why do you think he’s had so much success? His attention to detail. The consistency, discipline, and habits are outstanding. He shows up in the same manner every single day and really demands the most out of his players. Every day, you know what you are going to get from Coach Buzz and the staff. He cares more about you than just being a player. He wants to help develop you for life.
How would you describe your game? I would say I am a versatile forward. I can play all three frontcourt positions and really post up. But I can stretch out to shoot the three-pointer. I can also guard three positions well. I can be physical. I am a good rebounder, but I have more to give in that part of my game.
Did losing weight change things for you in life and basketball? When I got home after my freshman year, I was probably 255 pounds. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was 225. My father was holding me accountable. He told me I have to get in better shape, especially with the goal of being a starter. Every day, I took better care of my body. I focused on what I was putting in my body. I realized you can’t eat whatever you want. It’s not high school anymore. I felt quicker.
Playing for those San Diego State teams helped your development. What did you get out of that experience? I really liked our team. The average age of our team was older than the (NBA’s) Oklahoma Thunder. Just being around those experienced players really set the tone for my college career. I saw how they prepared and what they did when the game wasn’t going well for us.
Name one or two new Terps that have impressed you? Pharrel Payne. I haven’t been around a lot of guys that have been as physically dominant as he is. Not a lot of people can do what he does athletically for his size (6-foot-9, 250 pounds) especially at the center spot. You also have to look at Myles Rice. He is amazing. He is a true point guard and leader of the team. He really runs the show and sets up his teammates well. He is super-fast and crafty when he gets inside the lane. When you have someone like him, it gives you a real advantage.
